No More Teachers, No More Books...

One of my childhood chants at the end of each school year was, "No more teachers, no more books, no more teacher's dirty looks." Like a great many kids, I had a strong dislike for school. It wasn't until many years later that I had a change of heart. I just loved this chant...mainly because it meant spending the entire summer vacation up to our camp on Sebago Lake. I have sweet, fond, and strong memories of my summers there and was probably the only member of my family who loved it the way I did.

When my twins were young...probably as far back as when they were five or six, they played school every afternoon after they got home from school. By the time their little sister was able to walk and sit at a make-shift desk, they were excited that they had a "student" they could teach! I remember the days when I would be getting dinner ready, listening to them play school...no TV...just good clean fun teaching their student, who might not have always been cooperative, but that's another topic for another blog. ;o)

As time passed, their "playing school" turned into a real calling. Donna graduated from UNCW with her teaching degree in elementary and special education. Today she is a middle school special education teacher. Debra is working on completing her degree so she can focus on the social work side of education. She has been very active in assisting in her children's classrooms and directing children's ministry for several years. Yes, I am a very proud Momma.

So, this gives you a little more insight as to why I have changed my childhood chant into a grown-up cheer for our teachers! Now, I know my children didn't always have good experiences with all of their teachers, and we had some battles throughout the years. But the majority of their teachers had a heart for kids, academics, and growth on both an intellectual and social level.

Last week, I decided to give two of my grandgirl's teachers a custom-made bracelet from the C J Collection as a thank-you gift for their hard work. Since I don't like to give random gifts, I quizzed the girls about their teachers...what colors do they like, what do they wear for jewelry, and so forth. It helps give me inspiration so it's not just another gift that they throw in a drawer somewhere. (I've got some inside scoop as to what teachers like for gifts and what they don't like!) So, after we talked about their teachers, here's what I came up with:

This fifth grade teacher likes neutral colors and loves jewelry...freshwater pearls and illusion crystals with silver shepherd's hook clasp and chain to make it adjustable.

This third grade teacher loves purple...made with light purple quartz, variegated square glass beads, and darker purple illusion crystals, with silver shepherd's hook clasp and chain to make it adjustable.

It might be time for me to come up with a new chant I can teach my grandkids...maybe it will be as "catchy" as the old one. Any ideas? Teachers rule, students drool...oh wait...I think I'm confused with another "chant."

Okay, so I'm off to create something more original!
Carole

"Grandmothers are just antique little girls."

Little did I know over fourteen years ago that I would love, love being a grandmother. Since I was feeling too young to be called the "G" word, we decided my grandkids would call me "Mimi." Yes, I am one of those people who are quite sensitive about the "number." And no, I will not be getting over it anytime soon!

Over the past few months I have been able to spend more time with my grandchildren. What a treat! Most of the time, they make me feel young. They are growing up right before my eyes, and that's when I feel old!  In a few days, my fourteen year old grandgirl will be graduating from eighth grade...it just doesn't seem possible! Another granddaughter and grandson are going from elementary school into middle school. Wow! Where has the time gone?

This week, I created a necklace, earrings, and bracelet set for Gabby's eighth grade graduation. She will be wearing a pink and black semi-formal dress and will be looking oh so grown up! The necklace is made with light pink Swarovski pearls and silver crystals, and multi-faceted clouded pink crystals that add just enough sparkle and bling. Here is a picture...

While I am excited to see her all "dolled up", I don't know if I can make it through this graduation with emotions in tact. Gabby is a great kid...sensitive, creative, loving, and beautiful, and I've begged her to stay a little tyke. (I've actually asked all of my grandkids to stay small, but they aren't listening.) G has told me a couple of times that adults aren't invited to the dance that's going to be held after the graduation ceremony. Thinking her comment was funny, I told her that I already had my dress...I am chaperoning it. She didn't laugh...which made it even funnier! I'm not actually going to be a chaperone, but I'm kicking myself for not calling the school to volunteer. No problem, I have more grandkids coming along and then there's always G's junior and senior proms! ;o) More than likely, she won't be amused by this thought, but I do like to tease her a little bit now and then. Adore you, Miss G!

Happy 8th Grade Graduation to G! I am so proud of you...I can't believe this Mimi will have a grandgirl in high school. I know you're trying to make me feel old...but I'm fighting the feeling...hard!

"A grandmother is a mother who has a second chance."

Carole